2. Culture Set of values, beliefs, attitudes, languages, symbols, rituals, behaviors, customs of a group of people Learned and shared Dynamic and changing

3. Ethnicity Classification of people based on national origin or culture Examples: African American, Asian American, European American, Hispanic American, Middle Eastern/Arabic American, Native American

4. Race Classification of people based on physical or biological characteristics Involves multiple cultures and ethnic groups

5. Ethnocentricity The belief that your culture is superior to all others. We often feel this way about American way of life. We also feel this way about Western approach to medicine…

6. Cultural Diversity Differences based on cultural, ethnic, and racial factors “Melting Pot” or “Salad Bowl” approach Must be considered when providing health care Healthcare providers must recognize and appreciate the characteristics of all patients

7. Holistic Care Must be developed to include cultural diversity of America Addresses 3 aspects of well-being: mental/emotional, physical, and social

8. Areas of Cultural Diversity Family organization Language Personal space Touching Eye contact Gestures Health care beliefs Spirituality Religion

9. Cultural Diversity Impacts Beliefs about… Birth Death Health Causes of Illness Treatment of Illness and Health Care in general

10. Health Varies Based on Cultural Background

11. World Health Organization A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease

12. South African Harmony with nature Harmony of mind, body, and spirit

13. Asian Physical and spiritual harmony with nature Balance of yin and yang

14. European Personal responsibility with diet, rest, exercise, and prevention

15. Hispanic Good luck Reward from God Balance between hot and cold forces

16. Middle Eastern/Arabic Spiritual Causes Cleanliness

17. Illness Abnormal functioning of a body’s system or systems Causes vary based on cultural/ethnic background

18. South African Spirits/demons Conflicts in life God’s punishment

19. Asian Imbalance of yin and yang Supernatural forces Unhealthy environment

20. European Sin Outside sources: microorganisms, toxins

21. Hispanic Sins Fright Evil Eye Envy Imbalance between hot and cold

22. Middle Eastern/Arab Sins Evil Eye Spiritual causes

23. Native American Supernatural forces Violation of a taboo Imbalance between man and nature

24. Religion and Healing Vital role in perception of health and illness Rites surrounding birth and death Diet

25. Healthcare Providers’ Culture How might we clash with other cultures??

26. Cultural Beliefs Concerning Epidemiology and Pain Medical culture is in direct opposition sometimes Bacteria/viruses/carcinogens/pollutants versus “soul loss”/”spirit possession”/voodoo/witchcraft Free, open expression of feelings versus never revealing true feelings

27. Beliefs “Standardized definitions of health and illness” – that can be found with diagnostic tests. “The omnipotence of technology”

28. Examples of Cultural Clashes “Mr. Smith in room 222 is the ideal patient. He never has a single complaint.” We like people who don’t complain…

29. Examples of Cultural Clashes “Mrs. Cohen in room 223 is a real complainer. She is constantly asking for pain medication and putting on her light.” But some cultures are very vocal about pain and needs!

30. Examples of Cultural Clashes “Mr. Chen in room 225 says nothing. I often wonder what he is feeling.” We don’t want you to complain, but we don’t want you to not tell us your feelings either!

31. Healthcare Providers Must change to accommodate other cultural beliefs and behaviors towards health and illness Must be aware of and respect treatments outside the mainstream!